Newcstle United striker Michael Owen will be back for the March 14 clash with Hull City.

The England international was thought to have been ready for Wednesday's clash with Manchester United but the Hull match looks a better option.

"This match (Man Utd) looks like it has come just too early, but had there been a match this weekend I'd have been fit and ready for it," Owen wrote in the matchday programme for Wednesday's game.

"As it is, the trip to Hull in ten days' time looks nailed on for my return to action and I can hardly wait to get back from this ankle injury and help the lads in the fight to pull away to safety - a fight we are confident we will win."